Bonnie's father is an engineer for the Apollo 11 space mission. Bonnie is an engineer too, developing a rocket that she plans to shoot high into the sky. While Baba works on the moon-landing module far away, Bonnie designs, builds, and tests her own project -- with sometimes disastrous results! Throughout the process, Baba's letters encourage her in her work, and after the astronauts return from the moon, Baba comes home in time to see Bonnie launch her amazing rocket.

Inspired by the experiences of the author's grandfather, who helped design the space suits and life-support systems on the Apollo 11 lunar module, Bonnie's Rocket celebrates the diverse team that contributed to one of the United States' greatest achievements. It's also a heartwarming father-daughter story and a terrific gift for budding engineers and space fans of all ages.

Reviews:

  • "Lee offers a compelling portrait of design thinking through a four-step process: design, build, test, analyze, and repeat." - Publishers Weekly

  • "An engaging father-daughter STEAM story full of support and scientific inquiry." - Kirkus Reviews

Awards:

  • 2023 Skipping Stones Honor Award

  • 2024 Yellowhammer Book Award Honors (by the Alabama School Library Association)

Written by Emeline Lee, illustrated by Alina Chau, and published by Lee & Low Books.

Order Bonnie’s Rocket today!


Forthcoming Book Spring 2026

Gwei, the Hungry Ghost is a spooktacular story is filled with ghosts, food, and friendship! Publishing with Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.